Touring Galway on Wednesday

This is Galway Bay. Galway declined after damage from battle with Oliver Cromwell's 

forces in the mid 17th century. Today, it's prosperous and vital.

We haven't posted may pics of churches on this trip. We don't want y'all to 

say 'another bloody church?' This is Galway Cathedral.

This is an alcove in the church where a casket will sit overnight awaiting the funeral. Notice the pic on the right. It is President John F. Kennedy, He is still beloved in the country.

We next toured the Connamara Marble factory. This picture shows the types of marbles they work with. In addition to doing work in buildings, they make a lot of jewelry.

This was one of the silliest, but most enjoyable, happenings during any of our trips.

 One of our fellow travelers 'proposed' to our bus driver. A 20 year old, traveling with 

her grandmother, put together a 'mock' wedding, with flowers, veil, and vows. All went 

well until the bride tried to kiss the groom; he ran!

Tuesday in Galway

We drove through the Connemara region to Kylemore Abbey, 

currently the home of Benedictine nuns. 

The grounds include Victorian gardens.

We cruised Killary fjord. Beautiful water and hills.

We are waiting for lunch on the boat.

As you can see, it was a little windy!

We then drove through the Inagh Valley, passing the village of Clough Na Mara. Deserted since the potato blight of the 1840's, homes are gradually being built among the ruins. 

Saturday, Sunday and Monday

The days are full and the nights have long dinners. The Irish don't hurry their meals. I tell you this to explain why we are lax in our posting! That's why we're doing a few days here.

On Saturday, we toured the Dingle Peninsula. This was one of many beautiful landscapes.

We stopped at a residence that had many outbuildings called beehives.

Of course, where there's an animal, you'll find Kim petting it!

The four of us in front of the beehive.

The mountains are called Three Sisters. This area is where some

 of the next Star Wars movie was filmed.

On Sunday, we drove to the Ring of Kerry, the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula. 

This spot is called Ladies View.

We had a demonstration of a dog herding sheep.

On Monday, we visited the Cliffs of Moher.  Here is a view to the left.

This is a view to the right at the Cliffs of Moher.

The four of us in front of the Cliffs of Moher.

This area is called the Burren (stony place), This is Dee Dee's imitation of 'Boudreaux, I'm flying'!

Thursday in Cobh and Friday in on the road to Killarney

We had a talk and a stroll with a local guide and author. This statue is the

 Lusitania peace memorial. Cobh was a major emigration port.  

This is the building the Titanic passengers passed through before being tendered to the ship.  This was the last stop before its maiden voyage.

 This is Annie Moore, the first Irish emigrant to pass through Ellis Island.

We had a home hosted lunch. This is the typical look of a medium priced home. 

This was our hostess, Olive.

This is all of us in front of Blarney Castle.

On our way to the top of the castle to kiss the stone.

Narrow passages, low ceiling, tall steps. There were 127 steps in all.

Kim was the first to kiss the Blarney Stone.

Dee Dee, Wayne and Debra swore they weren't going to assume the position!

As you can see,

we did!

We are going for a ride in Jaunting Car (horse and carriage) through Killarney National Park.

This is Ross Castle, one of many castles devastated  by Oliver Cromwell.

Wednesday- on the road to Cork

We stopped in the town of Waterford and visited the 

Waterford Crystal Factory, founded in 1783.

Here we are looking at very expensive stuff!

We also visited an area where we were shown how pieces are made.

The glass is this color while being heated and molded, but then cools clear.

This is the factory's tribute to 911. Two of these were made. The other was
presented to a New York City fire house.

We then traveled to Cahir for lunch. After which we toured Cahir Castle.

We climbed the steps in this building to take the picture above.

During dinner at the hotel, Kim haggled this waitress. BUT, she gave him just as much smack back! Then, she presented them with a plate of desserts for their 42nd anniversary. Happy Anniversary Dee Dee and Kim!

Tuesday In Kilkenny

Master Craftsman, Tom, demonstrated his method of making a hurl in his shop. Hurl is the stick used to play the game of hurling, which has been played by the Irish for 2000 years.

Our Program Director, Rory, and Jim, both hurling team members, 

explained the game and demonstrated many moves.

  

Dee and Kim never pass up an opportunity to greet a dog!

Kim showed us his hurling skills.

 

On our city walking tour, Rory is showing us the statue

 dedicated to all who hurl for Kilkenny.

 

The group in front of Kilkenny Castle which is 800 years old.

The name of this place is Hole In The Wall, so we had to check it out. 

It was small, hot and had no music! We left.